Segment information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 9,101	$ 8,840	$ 18,093	$ 17,730
Real estate operating expenses	6,939	6,389	13,457	12,839
Operating income	3,693	3,517	7,747	7,456
Commercial (Member)
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	5,804	5,355	11,512	11,220
Real estate operating expenses	2,643	2,258	4,966	4,487
Operating income	3,161	3,097	6,546	6,733
Residential (Member)
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	4,874	4,611	9,790	9,199
Real estate operating expenses	2,375	2,173	4,648	4,461
Operating income	2,499	2,438	5,142	4,738
Recurring capital improvements	(37)	(144)	(141)	(201)
Total Reportable Segments (Member)
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	10,678	9,966	21,302	20,419
Real estate operating expenses	5,018	4,431	9,614	8,948
Operating income	$ 5,660	$ 5,535	$ 11,688	$ 11,471